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Because of Sam…
By Margot | March 21, 2010
Because of Sam….
A friend of mine who lost a daughter to neuroblastoma almost three years ago told me there is not a “before Sam and after Samâ€; he told me that there is a “before Sam and Because of Samâ€. Well, this is a “Because of Sam†story.
Almost two years ago, I was at the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) 2008 Annual Conference in San Diego. It is the largest oncology conference every year and I was lucky it was held in San Diego. I stopped at every presentation in the huge hall and stumbled across a PhD, Andre Bachmann, from the University of Hawaii. He was presenting some work on neuroblastoma which was years from the clinic; I broke down and told him I don’t have that kind of time and asked if he had something else. He did. He told be about his work with a drug called DFMO which is used for African Sleeping Sickness. I listened and through another father at the conference, we connected Dr. Bachmann with a clinical oncologist (an MD) who could put this into the clinic if it made sense. Our foundation, www.magicwater.org, helped fund the preclinical work that assessed combinations that would work best with DFMO.
This week, almost 2 years later, the clinical trial of DFMO and Etoposide opened and the first child enrolled. His name is Ryan Reardon and his website is www.for-ryan.org. What’s great about it is that Ryan was able to go to school this week for the first time in a very, very long time.
I hope this treatment helps Ryan and other kids. And if it does, it’s because of a beautiful little boy with red hair who loved school and every sport and was the best big brother imaginable.
It would be Because of Sam….
Neil
PLEASE PLEASE make sure to keep Saturday April 3rd from 10:00am to noon reserved for Sam’s All-Star Party at Kate Sessions Park near the playground and swings.
Topics: Progress Reports | 10 Comments »
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:03 am
It is because of Sam and because of your love for Sam that other families will have more hope and more options for their kids.
I also believe with all my heart that Sam is sending you signs. Sam would want you to know that he is okay and if he is half as determined as his parents I would bet my life that he will send you lots of signs so that you know beyond a doubt that he is happy and smiling down on you. Sam is everywhere now.
Kim Kow-
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:59 am
Love it- you both are so amazing! Angela (Madison’s Mom)
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:31 am
Because of Sam… and because of the love his parents have for him and he has for his parents!
yes definitely, and the greatest of these is love…
hugs to you every day,
Colleen and Nick
March 22nd, 2010 at 4:39 am
I’m not one for “Flowery Sermons” but one comment keeps ringing in my ears…..
“Soccer, at Cheetah speed!”
Yeah, Andy has some serious competition waiting for him! 😉
March 22nd, 2010 at 4:51 am
Neil, There are, truly, hundreds of thousands of wonderful things that have happened and will continue to happen because of Sam. This new clinical trial, and Ryan’s returning to school – that’s a fantastic one that you can directly trace back — and there are and will be endless others. Because of Sam. And because he is so loved.
And because you left no stone unturned. Lisa
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
That is a beautiful story and how wonderful to learn the amazing work you have done through Sam is helping change children’s lives today.
We wouldn’t miss Saturday for anything in the world!
With love from the DeLong’s
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Neil,
Because of Sam, (and you and your love for Sam)I learned about a fantastic alternative therapy that so far has helped my 3 year old daughter survive brain cancer for 2 years and 3 months, and she currently is living a very happy and normal life with no evidence of disease. So, yes, there are many great things that are because of Sam. And because of the great love of his family. Make sure you guys get some credit too.
Your friend,
Doug Plotner
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:48 am
A four square dedicated to Sam- how appropriate! We are willing to come set up on the 3rd. What about face painting? Just an idea that I had. Angela (Madison’s Mom)
March 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 am
Your stories continue to fill my heart with warmth, you are all amazing! Congrats on the medical break through…because of Sam!!
March 23rd, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Because of Sam and Neil and Margo and Andy and Charlie…you will always be a team to me.